WILTSHIRE Police chief constable Mike Veale has thanked Mike Tupman for his 31 years of service as a special constable.

As the Gazette reported last week, Mr Tupman, 73, of High Street, Burbage is retiring after 31 years with the force. On average he has given 60 hours of his free time every month, serving the community of Marlborough and the surrounding area.

Chief Constable Mr Veale said: “So many people talk very highly of Mike and that is a massive accolade because it shows the impact he has had on others.

“The admiration and support people have for Mike as a person is a direct result of the way he comes across. It takes a very special kind of person to be part of the police family, and it takes a very special person to volunteer to be part of the police family.

“It is not until you sit and reminisce that you realise how special the role of a police officer, including a special constable, really is.

“At a time of crisis, when everyone else is running away from danger, you are running towards it. He should never underestimate the contribution he has made to the force.”

In 2002 Mr Tupan won the title of Special Constable of the Year and again in 2006. In 2007 he was awarded the Police Authority Shield for his service to the community and in 2013 he was award an MBE for his service to the Wiltshire Community.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said “Special Constables play a key role in Wiltshire Police and we have been lucky that Mike has been part of our police family for the past 31 years.

“I really value the support and commitment Mike has given to Wiltshire Police and people in the Marlborough area”

Mr Tupman added: “The biggest changes I have seen in the past 31 years have been the increase in paperwork and changes in technology. I remember the days when we would come in to work, write a sentence or two in a notebook and that was it.

“Communication has improved incredibly; I remember when you couldn’t go further than 30 yards from your car because you couldn’t use the radios.

“It’s impossible to pick a highlight from my career. The camaraderie between everyone has definitely been one of the best bits. I have made so many great friends over the years and they will be my chums forever.”